Then he turned and saw his uncle coming out of the shop. Malcolm was a little stooped and shabby in his old waterproof, Heather’s canvas shopping bag slung over his shoulder; everything about him was familiar to Tom now. Malcolm smiled when he saw Tom, and Tom raised his hand in greeting, surprised at his rush of relief as he went to join his uncle.

8

Three days later, Malcolm stood with Tommy on the harbour watching the ferry approach. A couple of cars were waiting in the queue to board, but no other foot passengers that he could see besides Tommy.

It was a larger ferry than usual; they’d told them that as Tommy bought his ticket. The normal ferry was out of service. And now it approached, it did seem absurdly large to carry just a handful of people across the sea.

“Do you need money?” Malcolm said, annoyed with himself for not having thought of it before. “Until you get settled? I can help.”

Tommy shook his head. “I have savings. I’ll be fine. And I have a friend there, from university. I can stay with him a week or two while I look for my own place.” Seeing Malcolm’s surprised expression, he smiled. “I do have friends, you know.”

“Of course you do,” Malcolm said hurriedly.

They watched as the ferry docked, unwieldy and mechanical, as incongruous on Litta as a tower block.

Malcolm said, “You’ll come back, if it doesn’t work out?”

“Yes, I’ll come back.”

“O.K.,” Malcolm said. “Good.”

Tommy added, not looking at him, looking out to sea, “I thought I might come back for a visit anyway. In summer, maybe.”

“Aye,” Malcolm said, managing to match Tommy’s casual tone. “I’ll have your room ready.”

The bow doors had opened now and a few vehicles were emerging, islanders returning from Oban with their cars full of shopping, followed by the Royal Mail van. Ross was the only foot passenger to come down the steps from the deck. He paused as he reached them.

“You off now, Tommy?”

“Yes.”

“But you’ll be back to see us soon.”

“Aye,” Tommy said. “Summer, probably.”

“Good lad,” Ross said, clapping Tommy’s shoulder, and Malcolm forgave him in that moment for all the irritations he’d ever caused him. Ross smiled, windswept and open faced in his waterproof. “It’s been great seeing you,” he said to Tommy. “And Malcolm, will we see you in the bar tonight?”

“I’ll come for one.”

“Great,” Ross said, moving off. “Well, I’ll be seeing you later then.”

There was a short silence after he’d gone, then Malcolm said, “Well, I suppose you’d better embark.”

“Wouldn’t want to miss it.” Tommy hoisted his rucksack on to his shoulder and put his hands in his pockets. He seemed awkward now. “Thanks for everything,” he said.